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  • Winter

  • Penguin Modern Classics
  • By: Len Deighton
  • Narrated by: James Lailey
  • Length: 24 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (247 ratings)

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Winter cover art

Winter

By: Len Deighton
Narrated by: James Lailey
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Peter and Paul, the two sons of German businessman Harald Winter, are bonded together by a childhood trauma. But as they grow up, the brothers also grow apart. When the shadow of the Third Reich falls, they become divided by war and their differing ideals - only to meet again years later at the Nuremberg trials. An epic prelude to the Bernard Samson Game, Set and Match trilogy, Winter is a rich, tragic portrait of the fortunes of a family, and a nation, over half a century.

©1987 Len Deighton (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A monumental work...brilliantly executed." (Daily Telegraph)

"The pace and tension leave one almost breathless. A frightening yet compelling novel." (Sunday Telegraph)

What listeners say about Winter

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Quite a marathon listen

I found the prospect of a 24+ hours listen quite daunting, especially since we mostly know the history behind the story. Still, it was well crafted, turning a family drama into a story illustrating various aspects of the first half of the 20th century and the world wars. These mainly from the German population's point of view. This in itself was quite interesting and well researched as mostly the stories about this period that are written by Western writers, describe how Westerners or non-German people experienced the era.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very good indeed

A fascinating prequel which was an enjoyable listen throughout . And well read too. I would recommend it :

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just brilliant

Great story and well narrated. Ending was a bit weird but maybe I’m missing the significance?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Masterful historical novel

An extremely enjoyable, meticulously researched family saga, sprawling through the early 20th century German catastrophe. A terrifyingly coherent and believable account of a society sliding into disaster, as well as a family drama and a spy thriller. Several individual chapters are brilliantly imagined set pieces.
The narration is truly excellent- not a jarring moment, imaginative and effective voice acting.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable but not the greatest thing I’ve ever listened to and read.

I enjoyed this and got through it quite quickly. I had the kindle as well, which I quite like to do. So overall I’m very positive, but I don’t think I liked it quite as much as some of the reviewers before me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Totally gripping

The story is very well researched and gives a fascinating glimpse of XXth Century Germany. The narrator is excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Simply brilliant. A masterpiece!

Len Deighton's books are always superbly written. This audio book is without doubt one of the best I have ever listened to. An amazing story brilliantly narrated. An absolute masterpiece! It's a long book but it had me enthralled from beginning to end. No wonder it is considered a classic!!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!

Worth persevering I wasn’t sure at first but riveting. So interesting to hear the German side of the wars.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A must read if you like top notch ww2 fiction

For me this is up there with Conflict of Lions, The Winds of War and Platoon. Well researched fact based fiction with a killer narrator who just tops it off. if Ww2 fiction is for you this is a must listen in my view. First class.....

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

very atmospheric

very atmospheric, loved it but you need to concentrate, it is not something you can pick up and put down, it needs the time it deserves. I will listen again when I have time set aside.

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2 people found this helpful